Both Uses of
venom
in
The Scarlet Letter
- Of an impulsive and passionate nature, she had fortified herself to encounter the stings and venomous stabs of public contumely, wreaking itself in every variety of insult; but there was a quality so much more terrible in the solemn mood of the popular mind, that she longed rather to behold all those rigid countenances contorted with scornful merriment, and herself the object.
Chpt 2 (definition 1) *venomous = harmful
- It was impossible to doubt that, whatever painful efficacy there might be in the secret sting of remorse, a deadlier venom had been infused into it by the hand that proffered relief.
Chpt 13 (definition 2) *venom = poison
Definitions:
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(1) (venom as in: jealousy-fueled venom) intense feelings of hatred or anger
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(2) (venom as in: snake venom) poison created by some insects and animals such as snakes